Talk CNY
Welcome to Talk CNY by CenterState, presented by NBT Bank. Through this series, discover the latest news and information on topics ranging from community and workforce development, to policy and innovation. Each month features leaders from across Central New York to shine a spotlight on the growth and opportunities happening in the region. In under 15 minutes, you’ll get an inside look at the people, projects and planning moving Central New York forward, and be connected to resources you need to support your business’ growth. CenterState CEO is Central New York’s leading business leadership and economic development organization, committed to creating a region where businesses thrive, and all people prosper.
Episodes
In this episode of the Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons, we sit down with Andrew Lunetta, Founder and Executive Director of A Tiny Home for Good. Andrew shares how working in shelters for nearly a decade inspired him to create an organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Syracuse. From early challenges to powerful success stories, including tenants whose lives have been permanently changed, this conversation explores...
In this episode of Quarterly Market Insights, a special series part of CenterState CEO’s Talk CNY podcast, presented by NBT Bank, host Kevin Schwab is joined by NBT Bank’s Chief Economist and Chief Investment Officer Ken Entenmann. They explore consumer spending patterns, what AI really means for jobs and productivity, and why Central New York is outperforming the nation. As 2025 comes to a close, hear why “resilience” may be the w...
The city of Syraucse will have a new mayor at the start of the new year. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has reached his term limit, and current deputy mayor Sharon Owens will succeed him as mayor of Syracuse starting in 2026.
CenterState CEO’s great working relationship with the city of Syracuse has helped to advance key regional strategies that have positioned us for today’s historic growth. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT...
In this episode of Talk CNY: Leadership Lessons, presented by NBT Bank, Syracuse City Fire Chief Michael Monds discusses the habits, values, and decisions that have defined his leadership journey.
Chief Monds reflects on more than two decades of service – from firefighter to fire chief – and explains why servant leadership guides every decision he makes.
Chief Monds also opens up about staying calm under pressure, building mental t...
As a part of our Innovation and Entrepreneurship work, CenterState CEO staff gets the opportunity to work with some of Central New York’s most dedicated and creative small business owners. These entrepreneurs are offering unique products, investing locally and making our neighborhoods more vibrant.
On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, one of those entrepreneurs joins the podcast to discuss her journey and passion: Tan...
We’re heading into the giving season and CenterState CEO is lucky to receive support from so many people across the business community. Their generosity enables the programs and strategies that help us create a region where businesses thrive and all people prosper.
On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, we speak with a founding contributor to our Growth +Equity Fund, John Peter and Executive Director of the CenterState...
What if gaming could change the way we learn, connect, and build communities right here in Central New York? In this episode of Talk CNY: Leadership Lessons, we sit down with Rob O’Connor, the co-founder of ELITE Gaming, Brain Play, and The Underground in Downtown Syracuse, to talk about how he’s redefining what it means to be a gamer.
Rob shares how he’s turning gaming into a force for good, helping students find confidence, commun...
Our neighbors to the north in Oswego County have a long list of accomplishments so far in 2025. From thriving farmers markets to innovative child care initiatives, Oswego County leaders are building a vibrant community prepared for future investment.
The Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a fully integrated partner of CenterState CEO, and for good reason. Oswego County’s business community ranges from major regional emplo...
On this Talk CNY quarterly check, we welcome back CenterState CEO President and CEO Rob Simpson. Rob joins us for this episode to share lessons learned during his sabbatical, his renewed goals now that he’s back in the office and what he’s excited about in the final quarter of 2025.
You can hear more on the power of reset from Rob and Syracuse Women’s Basketball Head Coach Felisha Legette-Jack at CenterState CEO’s Economic Champions...
In this episode of Quarterly Market Insights, a special series part of CenterState CEO’s Talk CNY podcast, presented by NBT Bank, the conversation explores the shifting dynamics of the U.S. economy and their implications for businesses and consumers.
NBT Bank’s Chief Economist and Chief Investment Officer Ken Entenmann breaks down market trends, policy shifts and local opportunities. This episode offers practical insights to help y...
The Regional Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics or STEAM School welcomed its first class at the start of this school year. The new school is the first of its kind in the Central New York region and brings the historic Central Tech building back to life in downtown Syracuse.
It’s a major accomplishment, bringing together numerous partners across private, public and nonprofit sectors, to create a school that will h...
Talk CNY Miniseries: Leadership Lessons - Champion’s Mindset: Inspiring Lessons from SU’s Coach Jack
In this episode of Talk CNY: Leadership Lessons, presented by NBT Bank, we sit down with Felisha Legette-Jack, Head Coach of Syracuse University’s Women’s Basketball Team. In just three seasons, Coach Jack has turned the Orange into one of the ACC’s top contenders, earning ACC Coach of the Year in 2024—the first Syracuse head coach, men’s or women’s, to ever receive that honor.
Beyond the wins, Coach Jack shares how her faith, fami...
We are so close to opening the doors to CenterState’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub. This 90,000-square-foot facility will be the largest innovation hub of its kind in New York state and one of the top five largest in the entire country.
The resources and programs at INSPYRE are designed with founders in mind. Offerings range from state-of-the-art work spaces and a new maker space to funded accelerator programs, mentorship opportunities a...
It’s been just over a year since the New York SMART I-Corridor was named a federally funded Tech Hub. It’s the only Tech Hub focused on semiconductors in the country to receive federal dollars. When the award was first announced, we spoke with leaders from the convening organizations back when the Tech Hub was first announced to learn about its goals in creating a global semiconductor hub in upstate New York.
Now on this episode of ...
One of the ways that CenterState CEO is working towards its goal of creating a region where businesses thrive and all people can prosper is by supporting programs that help create greater access to in-demand careers in the community. The Bridge to Manufacturing Careers program is one such initiative. Thanks to the many community partners that have helped to make it possible, more than a dozen people are now pursuing a degree at Ono...
When Governor Kathy Hochul charged CenterState CEO with leading the One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships or ON-RAMP Syracuse planning process, one of the first things the team knew to do was look for an innovative, dedicated and experienced professional to lead this new organization.
They found her right here in Central New York. After conducting a national search, CenterState CEO appointed Dr. Carlene Lacey...
This episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, is a bit different. We’re passing the host mic to the CenterState CEO corporate leadership team for this episode, recorded at the Redhouse Arts Center in downtown Syracuse.
With CenterState CEO President Rob Simpson on sabbatical, the Corporate Leadership Team is taking charge of all the projects this organization currently has underway, from the INSPYRE innovation hub and new ON-RAM...
In this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, host Katie Zilcosky sits down with David Kavney, President of Central New York and Pennsylvania at NBT Bank. From supporting major economic developments to helping CNY leaders tackle the housing crisis, Kavney shares how NBT Bank is strategically aligning its services to drive innovation and regional impact.
Tune in to this episode to learn more about NBT Bank’s expansion into new...
In this episode of Quarterly Market Insights, a special series part of the CenterState CEO’s Talk CNYpodcast, presented by NBT Bank, the conversation dives deep into the economic forces shaping Central New York and beyond in the second quarter of 2025.
NBT Bank’s Chief Economist and Chief Investment Officer Ken Entenmann breaks down the market’s record highs, analyzes the easing of geopolitical tensions, and explores how potential t...
From rising job numbers and wage growth to transformative capital investments by small business owners and major employers, this episode of Talk CNY explores why Central New York is poised for economic growth — more in the next three years than the last 16 in terms of GDP growth.
In this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, host Katie Zilcosky is joined by Jess Abbott, Vice President of Member Engagement, and Jared Shepard, ...
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